Past Studies

Past Studies

*Collaborators

A General Medical Opinion: In Regards to Psychological Treatment, Sleep Disturbances, and Nightmares
Led by Westley Youngren
This study was designed to gain a better understanding of the medical world’s perspective of psychological treatments, especially in regards to sleep disturbances and nightmares. The majority of patients with emotional or psychological problems are treated solely by general practitioners (GPs), without referral to specialist psychiatric, psychological or counselling services (Buka, Viscidi, & Susser, 2014; Goldberg, & Huxley, 1992). Due to a dramatic lack of referral to psychological treatment for sleep issues (such as chronic nightmares), there is believed to be mental health illiteracy in regards to sleep issues. Overall it remains unclear as to why patients are not referred to psychological treatment. The intention of this study is to acquire information that will help us gain a better understanding of why patients are not being referred to psychological treatment and what are the medical world’s views on psychological treatment in special regards to sleep disturbances and nightmares.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services/Call Rape (DVIS) Program EvaluationTITAN Project. Led by Jennifer Steward
This study is examining readiness to change, emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms as potential predictors of treatment outcome for male perpetrators of domestic violence. The sample consists of offenders attending a 52-week court-mandated treatment program at Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS). This project also includes a follow-up study looking at recidivism rates in participants after completion of the program.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services/Call Rape (DVIS) Men’s and Women’sTentatively a TITAN Project. Led by Jennifer Steward
This study aims to examine variables that may be related to a participant’s success in a 52-week court-mandated treatment program for Domestic Violence Offenders (Male and Female groups). This study will assess PTSD symptoms, exposure to traumatic events, depressive symptoms, and readiness to change at the beginning and end of the participant’s time in the program. Treatment outcome information and recidivism data will be collected on each participant following the program to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The study will also include a qualitative analysis of readiness to change themes.

Advocacy Alliance/Interpersonal Violence Survey
Led by Dr. Davis, Rachel Micol, & Jennifer Steward
The proposed study will investigate the prevalence rates and risk factors of interpersonal violence (physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual harassment, and stalking) and other types of trauma in college students, attitudes toward the constructs surrounding interpersonal violence, knowledge of and access to resources, alcohol and drug consumption, mental health symptoms, and will inform programming to prevent and address such violence and enhance the safety and well-being of students.

Efficacy of a Brief Nightmare Treatment for VeteransDissertation Project led by: Noelle Balliett, Katherine Miller, & Dr. Davis
Replicating previous work indicating initial support for the use of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescription Therapy (ERRT) for reduction of symptoms related to chronic nightmares among trauma-exposed veterans.

Treating post-trauma nightmares: A cognitive behavioral approach
Dr. Davis wrote her book describing the treatment she developed for trauma-related nightmares. The treatment is called Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) and has been empirically evaluated with positive results.

Randomized Clinical Trial TRAPT Project & Dissertation (Christopher Cranston, Kristi Pruiksma)
A randomized clinical trial comparing two treatments for trauma related nightmares has now ended collecting data. Lab members served as phone screeners, therapists, and assessors. Therapy includes utilization of manualized treatment protocols and assessment includes the utilization of two structured interviews that are considered “gold standards”: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).

Clinician SurveyLillienfeld*, Lohr*, Thyer*, Dr. Davis, & Kristi Pruiksma
We conducted a survey to evaluate the prevalence of use of scientific and pseudoscientific treatments and assessments. The data collection is complete and analyses are forthcoming.

Effectiveness Study of a Trauma-Focused Treatment for Female InmatesDissertation Project- Rachael Swopes & Dr. Davis
This study is an evaluation of a group treatment focused on women, substance abuse, and trauma. The treatment was studied in a sample of incarcerated women in a minimum-security facility. Assessments were administered one week pre and post treatment. The intervention consists of a four-month treatment, Helping Women Recover/Beyond Trauma, by Stephanie Covington.

SANE ProjectTITAN Project. Resnick*, Ruggerio*, Acierno*, Newman*, Foley*, Dr. Davis, Marsha Siebenmorgen, Rachael Swopes, & Katherine Miller (Ocast Grant – Complete)
The purpose of the SANE project is to examine factors which may mitigate the effects of sexual assault and rape. A brief video intervention will be used to assess effectiveness of post-assault education. In addition, the project aims to identify genetic markers of vulnerability through DNA testing. The project inspects the mental and physical health of recent assault survivors in hopes of improving both through better equipped psychological intervention.

Dream Survey
Rosen*, Lohr*, Dr. Davis, Elizabeth Avant, Rachel Wiedeman
The proposed study will provide for the measurement of fear-relevant dreams and their relationship to standardized measures of specific fears. In addition, differences in nightmare characteristics across three groups (e.g. no fear, fear without impairment, phobia with impairment) have been analyzed for a manuscript in preparation. Future analyses may be used for conference presentations. Data are currently being analyzed in preparation for publication of findings.

Bad Dreams vs. Nightmares Full Lab
Nightmares are often defined as a frightening dream that wakes people up. The purpose of this study was to compare bad dreams (that do not wake the sleeper) and nightmares (the wake the sleeper) on emotional intensity and content to examine the adequacy of this definition of nightmares.

History of Psychology Project
Textbooks about the history of psychology often exclude some very important contributors, especially women and members of minority groups. In Dr. Davis’ History of Psychology class, the class strives to go beyond the typical material taught in a History of Psychology class by focusing on these lesser known psychologists. Students work in groups to choose a woman psychologist or minority psychologist who has made a significant contribution to the field of psychology. They research that individual and make oral presentations to the class about the life, influences, and contributions of that individual. Look at the powerpoints here!